The western Indian state of Maharashtra has more than 80 strategically-located coastal forts – the result of a long history of warfare in which it faced threats from other Indian emperors and a number of colonial invaders. One of the most prominent of the coastal forts is Murud-Janjira. Built as early as the 13th century, and taking its current form under Siddi occupation around 1570, the fort is best known for being the only one on this stretch of coast that was never defeated, despite numerous attacks. It is also one of the best preserved of the coastal…